How is histology used in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers?
Histology is pivotal in diagnosing gastrointestinal cancers by examining tissue samples for abnormal cell growth and architecture:
- Esophageal cancer: Dysplasia in the squamous epithelium or glandular epithelium (Barrett's esophagus) can indicate precancerous changes. - Gastric cancer: Abnormal glandular structures and invasive growth patterns are key histological features. - Colorectal cancer: Adenocarcinomas show glandular differentiation with varying degrees of dysplasia and invasion into the muscularis propria and beyond.
